Redwood Rx kicks off 3rd year of wellness programs
Mountain Parks Foundation has officially launched the third season of Redwood Rx, a wellness initiative offering nature-based guided programs at Henry Cowell, Fall Creek and Big Basin Redwoods state parks.
Designed to encourage individuals to connect with the natural environment, Redwood Rx aims to highlight the health benefits linked to spending time outdoors.
Led by experienced instructors, the programs cater to all ages and skill levels, addressing various health concerns, such as stress management, anxiety reduction and enhancing mindfulness. Upcoming events include creative workshops, fitness sessions and community-focused retreats, with highlights such as an Acrylic Painting session on April 5 and a Forest Qi Gong class on April 16.
Space for these programs is limited, and advanced registration is required. For a complete schedule of events and registration details, visit the Mountain Parks Foundation website mountainparks.org.
Concertino Strings presents concerts next week
The Concertino Strings, a 25-piece classical chamber orchestra located in Boulder Creek, will perform concerts at the Boulder Creek United Methodist Church, 12855 Boulder St., on Wednesday, April 9, at 11:30am and Saturday, April 12, at 3pm.
The theme is “Celebrate Spring with Strings.” The program will be Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings, Op 20, subtitled “Spring Serenade”; Vivaldi’s Concerto for Violin and Organ, Joanne Tanner and Robert Jackson, soloists; Renata Bratt’s “Joy in the Day,” an upbeat mashup of fiddle tunes mixed with “Singing in the Rain” and “Blue Skies”—the audience will have an opportunity to join in on vocals.
Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted. Concerts are an hour long. For more information about the orchestra, go to concertinostrings.com.
Register now for summer music camps
Registration is now open for Redwood Music Teen Camp, a residential camp in Aptos from June 16-21, and Kid Camp, a two-week day camp in Scotts Valley from July 21-Aug. 1.
Participants learn and perform the folk music of Ireland and Scotland, Sweden, America and more. Redwood Music Camps are open to players of fiddle, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, penny whistle, recorder, harp, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion and keyboards.
Other activities include singing and crafts; Teen Camp also has dancing, movie night, a talent show, and lots of jamming. Scholarships are available to both of these nonprofit music camps.
Details, photos, videos and registration is available online at CommunityMusicSchool.org, or call and leave a message at 831-471-5184.
Crime victims’ candlelight vigil set for Wednesday
Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week has been recognized annually across the United States to support crime victims and remove barriers to achieving justice for all those impacted by crime. This year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is April 6-12.
To commemorate this event, the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program will hold a Candlelight Vigil to remember and honor homicide victims and their families. The 14th annual event will take place this year on Wednesday, April 9, at 6pm on the steps of the Santa Cruz County courthouse, 701 Ocean St., in Santa Cruz.
Members of the public are invited to come and show their support for those impacted by crime. Participants should meet on the steps of the courthouse at 6pm for the event, which will include a Ceremony of Names.
No prior registration is necessary and all are welcome. Call 831-454-2010 with any questions.
